Before you lease it, list it, or hold onto it, ask yourself the right questions.

In this episode, Savannah Dunn and Glynn Crutsinger walk through five critical questions that every homeowner and investor should answer before making a real estate move. From financial goals and market timing to risk tolerance and the reality of being a landlord, this self-interview style conversation breaks down how smart planning—and honest answers—can save you thousands and protect your sanity.

Smart decisions start with better questions.

Contact:

Savannah:

https://app.elify.com/vbc/hzdm5karnn

Glynn:

https://www.rpmonesource.com/

Key Takeaways:

• What is your real financial goal?
  Are you after cash now, long-term income, liquidity, or passive income? Every decision changes based on this answer.

• How does your life stage impact the decision?
  Age, family needs, schools, commute, and legacy planning all matter—and they should drive your strategy, not emotions.

• How long do you realistically plan to hold the property?
  Most owners move every 7–10 years, but holding vs. renting after a move are very different paths with different risks.

• What is the market actually doing right now?
  Buyer vs. seller markets matter—but so do landlord vs. tenant markets. Pricing wrong can cost you months of vacancy and thousands lost.

• Do you truly want to be a landlord?
  Late-night emergency calls, legal responsibilities, emotional stress, and maintenance costs make this far from "passive" for most people.

• Bonus Reality Check: What's your risk tolerance?
  Roofs, AC units, insurance deductibles, storms, and surprise repairs can quickly derail cash flow if you're not financially prepared.

Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios podcast production company:

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

#realestatetips, #realestateadvice, #realestategoals, #housegoal, #architecture, #interiordesign, #hometour, #podcast #clientstories #realestateindustry #texasrealtors #realestatemarket #realestatesector #propertyinvestmentadvisor

Would you rather have money in your pocket—or locked inside your walls?

In this episode, Savannah Dunn and Glynn Crutsinger break down the real difference between equity and cash flow, and why focusing on just one can cost you in the long run. From accidental landlords to recent buyers facing tough market conditions, they explain how renting, holding, or selling can each be the right move—depending on your timeline, goals, and financial reality. The takeaway? Real estate wins are built with strategy, patience, and the right conversations first.

Contact:

Savannah:

https://app.elify.com/vbc/hzdm5karnn

Glynn:

https://www.rpmonesource.com/

• Cash flow vs. equity isn't an either/or decision — smart real estate choices look at the full picture, not just monthly profit.

• Four pillars matter: cash flow, depreciation (tax benefits), appreciation (market growth), and amortization (tenants paying down your loan).

• Time is your ally in real estate — equity and appreciation typically require years, not months, to truly pay off.

• Renting can be a strategic pause — especially for homeowners who bought near the market peak or would lose money selling today.

• Equity creates options — from cash-out refinancing to renting a paid-off home to fund your next move.

• A small monthly loss can beat a big one-day hit — leasing may soften the financial blow compared to selling at a loss.

• Professional guidance matters — agents, property managers, and CPAs help uncover tax benefits and long-term upside many owners overlook.

Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios podcast production company:

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

#realestatetips, #realestateadvice, #realestategoals, #housegoal, #architecture, #interiordesign, #hometour, #podcast #clientstories #realestateindustry #texasrealtors #realestatemarket #realestatesector #propertyinvestmentadvisor

Life's big moments — diapers, diamonds, divorce, death, diplomas, and even relocation — shape our real estate decisions more than market trends ever could.

In this episode of Lease It or List It, Savannah and Glynn break down how each major life event impacts whether you should sell, keep, or lease your home, and why timing and planning make all the difference.

From first-time parents needing a yard, to newlyweds unknowingly selling a perfect future rental, to families navigating inheritance… the smartest choices come from education, planning, and talking to a professional before emotions take over.

If life just handed you a big "D," there's a strategy for that — and equity worth protecting.

Contact:

https://app.elify.com/vbc/hzdm5karnn

https://www.rpmonesource.com/

Top 5–7 Takeaways

The "D's of Real Estate" drive most housing decisions — Diapers, Diamonds, Divorce, Death, Diplomas… and Relocation (even though it doesn't start with D, they tried).

Diapers = First-time buyers + growing families. Whether upgrading from an apartment to a home or needing a bigger rental, life changes often require more space (and a fenced yard for the dog—another unofficial D).

Diamonds = Marriage + missed opportunities. Couples often sell one partner's property too quickly instead of keeping it as a prime rental asset that could build long-term wealth.

Divorce = Complexity + emotion. Most couples end up selling because refinancing, buyouts, and co-management of a rental are often too stressful during an already painful life event.

Death = Unexpected but financially impactful. Inheriting a fully paid-off home is often a huge opportunity—families can turn it into a cash-flowing rental instead of selling too fast.

Diplomas = Empty nesters & right-sizing. A five-bedroom with a pool may not make sense anymore. But selling and immediately buying a condo with high HOA fees isn't always the win people expect.

Planning vs. reacting. Some life events are sudden—others predictable. When there's time to plan, selling may be smart. When life hits fast, leasing can give breathing room while preserving equity.

Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios podcast production company:

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

#realestatetips, #realestateadvice, #realestategoals, #housegoal, #architecture, #interiordesign, #hometour, #podcast #clientstories #realestateindustry #texasrealtors #realestatemarket #realestatesector #propertyinvestmentadvisor

Suddenly inheriting a home or moving unexpectedly can turn anyone into an accidental landlord — but that doesn't mean you have to lose money, make legal mistakes, or get stuck with nightmare tenants.

In this episode, Savannah and Glynn break down the real-world pitfalls they see every day: rushed estate sales, family disagreements, hoarder homes, bad tenant screening, handshake leases, Fair Housing missteps, and selling for pennies on the dollar to cash investors.

They also share smarter strategies for preserving equity, protecting yourself legally, and creating recurring income — even during life's most stressful seasons.

This is the survival guide every unplanned landlord needs.

Contact:

https://app.elify.com/vbc/hzdm5karnn

https://www.rpmonesource.com/

• Accidental landlords are usually born from life events — inheritance, probate, aging parents, or sudden moves — creating emotional stress and conflicting family decisions.

• Most families rush to sell, but many inherited homes have no mortgage and make excellent rentals when managed with a plan and support.

• Don't leave money on the table. Instead of selling to discount cash investors for 60–75¢ on the dollar, Savannah & Glynn offer programs that unlock equity now AND return upside profit after resale.

• Tenant placement is where accidental landlords get burned. Broad advertising, national syndication, and detailed background checks (credit, criminal, rental, employment) protect owners from costly bad tenants.

• Fair Housing mistakes happen fast. Accidental landlords often unknowingly discriminate — the team guides owners legally and safely to avoid expensive lawsuits.

• Handshake leases = disaster. Use vetted Texas Association of Realtors (TAR) contracts to protect against loopholes, ambiguous terms, and future disputes.

• Know the law: once leased, it's the tenant's home. Owners cannot "stop by," must rekey by law, and must comply with renters-code requirements that differ from standard building code.

Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios podcast production company:

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

#realestatetips, #realestateadvice, #realestategoals, #housegoal, #architecture, #interiordesign, #hometour, #podcast #clientstories #realestateindustry #texasrealtors #realestatemarket #realestatesector #propertyinvestmentadvisor

Relocation can feel overwhelming—new job, new city, new routines. But what should you do with the home you're leaving behind? In this episode, Savannah Dunn and Glynn Crutsinger unpack how to choose between selling or holding onto your home as a rental.

They break down real-world scenarios: when leasing gives you financial breathing room, when selling is the right play, how lenders treat rental income, and why good prep work is the difference between stress and success.

Whether you're moving temporarily, permanently, or boomeranging back in a few years, this episode shows how to make an educated decision instead of a rushed one.

Contact:

https://app.elify.com/vbc/hzdm5karnn

https://www.rpmonesource.com/

• Relocation reasons are changing — job transfers still lead the pack, but grandparents moving closer to grandkids is one of the fastest-growing motivators in DFW.

• Ask smart questions early — how long will you be gone? Is this temporary or permanent? Will you eventually "boomerang" back? Your answers shape whether leasing or selling makes sense.

• Leasing can unlock buying power — lenders often offset your mortgage with rental income, allowing you to buy in your new city without forcing a sale.

• Returning homeowners love turnkey rentals — many who rent out their homes end up coming back to a place that's updated, maintained, and often more valuable than when they left.

• Avoid becoming an accidental landlord — rushed relocations without prep lead to stress, low rent, and headaches. Good prep = faster leasing, higher rent, and better tenants.

• Prep matters — clean carpets, empty rooms, no stored belongings, updated paint, and good photos dramatically increase rental demand (and price).

• Selling vs. renting comes down to math + mindset — some people need the home-sale cash; others benefit more from cash flow, appreciation, and flexibility to return. Professional spreadsheets beat "napkin math" every time.

Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios podcast production company:

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

Letting go of a home isn't easy — it's memories, milestones, and meaning. But with the right perspective, it can also become a smart business move. Savannah and Glynn break down how to shift from emotional attachment to strategic decision-making when deciding whether to lease it or list it.

Contact:

https://app.elify.com/vbc/hzdm5karnn

https://www.rpmonesource.com/

• It's not just four walls and a roof — selling or leasing often comes with deep emotional ties, especially for long-time homeowners facing big life transitions.

• Trust and guidance matter most. First-time sellers or landlords need pros who help them navigate choices and feel confident they're doing the right thing.

• Declutter for a clean slate. Removing personal items helps buyers or tenants envision their own life in the space — and adds a layer of safety.

• Turn emotion into logic. Reframe the property as an investment — a "401(k) with a roof" that builds equity, pays down the mortgage, and creates tax advantages.

• Each home has its own path. Sometimes leasing makes more sense short-term; sometimes selling unlocks needed capital for the next move.

• Avoid snap decisions. Many owners rush to sell without exploring leasing as a flexible, profitable option — especially in uncertain markets.

• Play the long game. Holding a property 3–5 years can create appreciation, steady income, and future financial freedom.

Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios podcast production company:

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

On this episode of Lease It or List It, Savannah and Glynn break down the real difference between getting a home rental ready versus market ready. Rentals follow strict turnover and safety protocols like rekeying, CO₂ monitors, fresh filters, and deep cleans. Listings, on the other hand, win or lose on presentation: clean windows, bright light, fresh landscaping, HVAC tune-ups, and strategic staging all help you beat inspection hurdles and boost offers. They also share the hidden killers most homeowners forget about: clogged filters, untrimmed trees, plumbing line failures, and aging roofs. If you're prepping a home, knowing which path you choose can save thousands and maximize your return.

Contact:

https://app.elify.com/vbc/hzdm5karnn

https://www.rpmonesource.com/

• Rental ready vs market ready = two different rulebooks. Rentals follow safety, code, and turnover requirements, while listings focus on buyer expectations, inspections, and presentation.
• Safety first for rentals: Rekey all exterior doors, update smoke and CO₂ alarms, install fire extinguishers, and deep clean every turnover. Owners' "cleaning" never replaces a real deep clean.
• Air filters matter more than anyone thinks. Dirty filters wreck HVAC units and can even trigger health concerns. Quarterly filter programs protect equipment and tenants.
• For listings: eliminate inspection surprises. Handle caulking, sealing, HVAC servicing, light paint touch-ups, clean vents and grates, and replace worn carpet or flooring before going to market.
• Curb appeal and natural light are huge. Trim trees, manage shade, refresh landscaping, wash windows, remove solar screens, and brighten interiors to boost perceived value instantly.
• Staging moves the needle. Listings almost always sell faster and for more money when staged. Rentals don't require staging, but furnished rentals can earn $300–$500 more per month.
• Plumbing and roofing checks save disasters. A $200–$400 plumbing scope can prevent a $15k–$30k repipe later. Roof inspections help avoid insurance battles and surprise buyer objections.

Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios podcast production company:

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

Passive income sounds dreamy—until you realize you're the one unclogging the toilet at midnight.

Smart investors protect their time. They build teams, delegate, and scale without burning out.

Is your rental paying you—or costing you peace of mind?

Contact:

https://app.elify.com/vbc/hzdm5karnn

https://www.rpmonesource.com/

Key Takeaways

• Passive income isn't "passive." Rental properties build wealth through appreciation, mortgage pay-down, and tax benefits—but they require time, systems, and management.

• Time = ROI. DIY landlords often get stuck chasing tenants, coordinating repairs, and managing HOAs. If you're doing all the work, you bought a job—not an investment.

• Professional property management pays dividends. Communication, inspections, vendor networks, 24/7 emergency response, and crisis handling protect your property and your time.

• Avoid the "burnout cycle." Owners who micromanage usually end up exhausted—often too late, when their only buyer is another investor at a discount.

• Peace of mind has real value. Smart investors outsource management so they can focus on acquiring better properties—not answering 3 a.m. flood calls.

• Know when to exit. Homes age, repair needs increase, and rents cap out. Long-time owners often have equity to roll into better assets—sometimes via 1031 exchanges.

• Think bigger, think broader. Opportunity isn't limited to Texas—investors are moving capital across states (and even from abroad) into high-return markets.

Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios podcast production company:

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/